Bless Chili's heart... :(

[Roobyrocks]

Ok, this has really been bothering me and I know ya'll will understand. Maybe I'll feel better if I tell you about it.

I saw a post on a local internet newsgroup "Dachshund Rescue!! Free to good home!!" with a link to a pic of an adorable mini dapple. The post read, "Chili", Mini Dachshund, dapple color, 7-8 years old. Does not get along with small children. Needs a new home desperately." and included a cell #. We called the same day and left a message saying we wanted to help, but didn't hear back from them. So the next day I posted a new message trying to get in touch with the guy to let him know we wanted to help, but still no response. So we hoped that meant he'd found a home and all was well.
A couple of weeks later I saw the guy posting some other items, this time with a valid email address so I emailed him asking about Chili. This was his response and it just broke my heart... :tears:

"I was posting for a neighbor across my alley. His reason for getting rid of the dog was because it was snapping at his young daughter.
Twice, it drew blood.

It snapped again the evening after I posted the info in the NG... he put the dog to sleep.
:(

I was very disappointed.
Apologies, but this was not a very happy ending.
Have a great Memorial Day and thank you for the inquiry."

I'm still in shock that someone would do such a thing... and I feel so bad that I didn't get to him in time.


http://home.attbi.com/~cmtate/chili1.jpg

[dutchman]

While Chili's story is sad it is fra from uncommon. The first mistake the people made was not giving closer supervison after the first bite. Then they didn't seperate the child and the dog after the second bit. Bu the third bite they felt they had a vicious animal that they did not want to be responsible for being the cause of somone else getting bit. Other than the general lack of responsibilyt up front the owners nIm sure were jsut doing what they felt was the responsible thing after the third bite.

It's a pitty that morepeople are not aware of the numerous breed rescue groups. IF a dachsund rescue grop had been contacted at any point along the line it is highly likely a proper foster home and Chili could have been out of her home in 24 hours or less. IT is likely that a local shelter would also have put Chili down with her track record of being a bitter. Breed rescue groups can spend more time studying a dog working to see how deep a problem may be and can screen potential homes more closely than most public shelters.

Use Chili as an example of a dog that dachsund rescue might have been able to help. IF you don't already know the rescue people in your area make a point of searcing them out and getting to know them. They are generally thrilled to have more people heling to get the work out on the services they have available.

Chili will have somone to memt her at the bridge if not someone fromher original home than a rescuer who will take sll the dogs w/o people to wait for when they cross teh bridge with their own little ones.

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[Roobyrocks]

Thanks for the comments... I think... I was ready to help Chili myself, but I didn't get that opportunity. I wanted to take him when I first saw the msg about him. And had I been able to make contact I would have done so immediately to get him out of that home. I was just relaying the story because it's sad, and as you mentioned, not uncommon. Thanks for listening.

[Mark]

Chili's story is so sad . . . and as you've both said, so commonplace. It's a good reminder to all of us who love the breed . . . there are so many Chilis out there. :(

Thank you for sharing and "listening" is sometimes what we're here for.

[lotsadox]

It just breaks my heart to read stories like this. I had to hug Miller and Cash and Cinnamon (even though she isn't mine). If the rescue hadn't gotten them the same thing could have happened to any of them. It just makes me want to cry.

[TessieMom]

So sorry to hear about Chili. As everyone has said, it happens way too often. Unfortunately, when confronted with fast moving little people, many dachshunds feel threatened and bite out of fear. I have taken in several dogs who are "fear biters" or bit for other reasons. It is a matter of evaluation and finding the right home for the right dog. Having said that, there is at least one all breed rescue group near you that would have simple told him that they do NOT take biters and that the dog should be put down. They were sued because a cat bit and refuse to take any dog that has bitten. Those of us in the central part of the state will take them and have them evaluated by a behaviorist if necessary. It is a sad story, but happens way way too often. If you decide you want to help out with another dog in need, let me know! We have way too many dogs in need in Texas and way too few fosters... especially in north Texas.
Rena and the Waco 8

[MARTHA]

I can't really post what I a thinking...but I'm sure that many of you have thoughts running along the same line.

I have had two or three fosters that were supposed to "biters". The two that were the most aggressive were just little cuddlers looking for a non abusive situation. I can honestly say that my son and I have not been bitten by any of the "biters". I'm not saying that there aren't some biters out there because I know that there is. Like everyone has said, this happpens way too often.

My vet would not have put this dog to sleep without extensive testing. A lot of vets are not that conscienious about their patients...he would have (and has) called me to come get the dog.

People/owners as well as vets just need to educated.

I'm getting off my soap box now.

Bless Chili and may he enjoy his peace at the Bridge.

Martha

[gunther's mom]

It really is so sad. There really are ways to treat this type of behavior....Well you tried. We adopted a little terrier that was supposedly a terror (in the ound twice) and he is the love of our life. He's now about 15. He is a "brother" to my dachshund Gunther. I guess I have to wonder at a vet who wouldn't try to at least get the dachsie into a rescue group. There are so many wonderful vet techs and assistants who are also very capable. Not to mention the lay people who run the rescues.

[doxunzX3]

It is so sad when they don't even give the little guys a chance for a happy ending. I can relate to your situation, and understand the feelings that go along with it. Your heart was in the right place.
But... I hate to say it but some of the biters do need to be put down. I agree that he could have been evaluated first and given a chance. So many people just don't take time with their family pets, then wonder why! I could go on all day about this subject.

[Roobyrocks]

Thanks for your comments everyone. Rena, you said it well, and in a nutshell "when confronted with fast moving little people, many dachshunds feel threatened and bite out of fear." I feel that way myself sometimes when confronted with my friends' children!
I actually have a friend who adopted a feisty adult terrier mix BECAUSE the sign on her cage at Operation Kindness read "BITER"... lol She felt sorry for her and took a chance. She's had the dog about 8 years now with no problems at all.
Rena, I got in touch with Connie Elder after your post about Linked for Life to make a donation and offer to help with transports and such. She asked if I could do home visits in the Dallas area! I'd love to, by the way. Oh yeah, and she's putting me on the CTDR email group. I work an awful lot of hours, but I'd like to help as much as I can.
Thanks again for your support, everyone.

[lena]

I feel terrible about Chili. I have not been able to get him out of my mind since reading this thread.:(